Managing Measles Risk Factors with Clear Window Masks

To manage the measles risk factors and protect yourself and your loved ones in the midst of the outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, there are several effective measures you can take:

1. Masking

• Use masks as PPE: Since measles is an airborne disease, wearing a mask, especially in public places or healthcare settings where you might come in contact with infected individuals, can significantly reduce your risk of exposure. Masks can help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that carry the virus.
• Focus on high-risk environments: Masks are especially essential in healthcare settings, public transportation, schools, and places with high foot traffic.
• Safe’N’Clear has surgical-grade masks, ASTM Level 1 and Level 3. Check https:www.safenclear.com for clear window masks that allow you to see others. The Communicator™ enables you to see others, their facial expressions, and makes communication easier than standard masks.

2. Vaccination

• Ensure vaccination: The measles vaccine (MMR – measles, mumps, rubella) remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. Developed by John Franklin Enders and Thomas Chalmers Peebles in 1954, Maurice Hilleman improved on their vaccine in 1968 developing the version in use today. Measles was declared eliminated in year 2000.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, especially for children, as children are disproportionately affected by this outbreak.
• Stay informed: Keep track of any updates or public health advice related to vaccination, as health authorities may adjust their recommendations based on the severity of the outbreak.

3. Air Quality and Purification

• Install HEPA filters: Measles virus particles can remain active and infectious in the air for several hours, so using air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can reduce airborne virus particles in indoor environments.
• Use UV-C light: Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light has been shown to inactivate pathogens, including the measles virus, providing an extra layer of protection in spaces where air filtration might not be enough.

4. Hand Washing

• Follow proper handwashing procedures: Thorough and frequent handwashing is essential to reduce the spread of the measles virus, as well as other infectious diseases. Make sure to follow the CDC’s five-step handwashing procedure:
  1. Wet hands with water.
  2. Apply soap and create lather.
  3. Scrub hands for 20 seconds. NOTE: This is probably the step that is often glossed over; really do rub, scrub, and wash hands for twenty seconds.
  4. Rinse well, ensuring water runs from the top of the hand to the fingertips.
  5. Dry with a clean towel (avoid air dryers in public areas that can spread fecal germs).
• Hand sanitizers: While they are convenient, hand sanitizers should not replace proper handwashing with soap and water.

More cases have been reported in the first three months of 2025 than in all of 2024. By combining these strategies— masking, vaccination, air purification, and proper hand washing—you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting or spreading measles and help protect your loved ones and others in your community during this outbreak.